Chris Wood shot to fame after finishing as the leading amateur in the 2008 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. A links course specialist Wood nearly went one better this year at Turnberry. His 210 yard nine iron approach to the last took a wicked bounce and finished through the green. A par would have secured Wood a play off spot but it failed to drop, resulting in a third place finish the young Englishman.

Wood was born in Bristol and began playing golf at a young age. He was also a keen footballer as a youth but a serious knee injury put paid to his chances of succeeding in the paid football ranks and instead he devoted himself to golf. He still remains a keen Manchester United and Bristol City fan.

Wood qualified as an amateur for the 2008 British Open at Royal Birkdale. With his Dad on the bag, Wood’s performance in the opening rounds prompted press speculation that he could be the first amateur to win The Open since Bobby Jones in 1930. He finished joint fifth overall alongside Jim Furyk, a tremendous achievement for an amateur in the toughest of conditions. He turned professional immediately after and earned a place on this year’s European Tour through Qualifying School in PGA de Catalunya.

As a rookie professional. Wood was delighted to be able to bank the cheque for €294,629 for his Turnberry third place. “I’ve just got a new flat so I need to pay the rent for that, so I should be all right,” he joked. In finishing in the top three Wood also earned himself a place in the 2010 Masters in Augusta.

What’s In Chris Wood’s Bag

Dr. and The Medic: Logo Tips

Problem

You want to become more consistent.

Cure

Aim the logo of your glove, ball, and shirt to help you make flush contact with the ball.

Therapy

The logo of your ball can help you find the proper ball placement in your stance. Align the ball with the logo of your shirt pocket when you are using middle irons. You will notice that a lot of amateur players finish their full swings with the shirt logo pointing at the flag or coming up short of doing so. This indicates a poor turn. If you want to gain more distance, try turning your upper body even more so that the logo is pointing well past the flag. Use the logo of the ball to help you make square contact by teeing the ball with the logo turned away from the target. Use this as the contact point for the clubface when you hit it. Focus on aiming the logo of your glove towards the target at impact to help aim the clubface. Another way to use the logo of the glove is to help you gain a lot of loft. If you need to hit the ball really high, set the wedge clubface open and make a full backswing while hinging your wrist quickly. You will gain a lot of height if the logo on the back of your glove is pointing towards the sky at impact. Be sure to finish with a high follow through.

The Doc’s Rules Quiz

Do you really know the rules of golf? Try these questions and text your answers to 087-3140467. The winner will receive a Kartel shirt as worn by Paddy Harrington!

Question 1 - In stroke play, a competitor, in lifting a ball for the purpose of identification, cleans it more than necessary for identification. What is the penalty? A: no penalty, B: one stroke or C: two strokes

Question 2 – True or False: Tony arrives at the first tee at 13:00 hrs, his start time being 12:57 hrs. Tony is penalised two strokes.

Question 3 - True or False: Stakes or lines used to define a lateral water hazard must be red

Last weeks answers- Hardly anyone got them all right!!!!

Question 1 – True or False: A player is entitled to free relief from a burrowing animal hole in a water hazard. Answer: False

Question 2 - True or False: A player applies chalk to the face of his wedge as he thinks that will generate more spin. There is no penalty. Answer: False

Question 3 - True or False: No penalty is incurred if the player accidentally causes his ball to move in the process of removing loose impediments on the putting green. Answer: True

I Want One Of Those:

Nike Sasquatch Sumo Square 5900 Driver

Continuing on our recession busting track here’s the driver in the bag of British Open Champ Stewart Cink and US Open Winner Lucas Glover. Now to be found for a third of its original price, Nike has built their Sasquatch Sumo Square 5900 Driver with the highest MOI for greater forgiveness on off centre hits, the highest geometry for increased ball speed and accuracy, deep Nike PowerBow weighting to further optimise precision and performance and a multi thickness cup face design that improves ball speed over a larger area. With so much forgiveness and straightness, you couldn’t possibly miss! And even if you do, you wont have forked out much. Available online for around €120.

Bet Your Balls-

Moravia Silesia Open

presented by ALO Diamonds

Prosper Golf Resort

Čeladná, Czech Republic

30 Jul 2009 - 02 Aug 2009

Marcus Fraser 35/1

The recession is biting and the Inteco Russian Open has been devoured. Luckily the diamond market is still afloat and ALO have brought the European Tour to the Czech Republic. Our first pick this week is Aussie Marcus Fraser who brings some form into this week having tied for fourth at the SAS Masters despite an ugly final round 77. After an early season second in Australia Fraser’s form has been solid rather than spectacular and he currently sits at 58th in the race to Dubai. A former winner of the Russian Open in 2003.

Robert Rock 25/1

The Belfry’s touring professional has endured some tough times on tour but 2009 has been somewhat of a breakthrough year with earnings nearing the million euro mark. Rock most notably profitted from Shane Lowry’s amateur win at Baltray but also finished tied second in Italy the previous week. Poor form of late but that wont bother the Englsihman whose stats show very good previous early August form. Has the game to challenge in a field short of stars on what will be a new course to all the field.

David Drysdale 50/1

The 34 year old Scot has an eye for dramatic golf. Missed out on retaining his touring privileges by €586 in 2005 and €1,139 in 2006, yet has managed time and again to regain his playing rights through tour school. Drysdale looks to have cracked the code this year with second, third and fourth place finishes already practically guaranteeing him his playing rights next year. He has also finished in the top five in three of the last four years wherever he has played at the beginning of August!

Buick Open

Warwick Hills

Brian Gay 28/1

Having enjoyed that winning feeling at Mayakoba in early 2008, Brian Gay has claimed two more titles in 2009. Gay first claimed the Verizon Heritage at Hilton Head where he won the event by ten strokes, finishing at 20-under par. The ten stroke victory is the one of the biggest wins in the PGA Tour's history. Then came a five stroke win at the St Jude Classic in June. Gay top tenned at the Buick last year with a blistering final round 65 and has actually finished second in this event also in 2002 where Tiger prevailed.

Jim Furyk 14/1

Last year was the odd one out for Jim Furyk in the Buick Open; he failed to finish in the top ten since he won in 2003. That string of illustrious results includes a second place finish again behind Woods in 2006 and a tied fifth in 2007. This year has so far been winless so far for Jim and that grip is getting dangerously close to his crotch at address. His second behind Tiger at Memorial threatened good things but aside from a tied seventh in the AT&T National, Furyk’s form has been uncharacteristically poor. Watch out for the one eyed staredown at Warwick Hills.

Woody Austin 33/1

After two top tens in June at Colonial and the St Jude Classic things seemed to be on the up for Woody Austin, but two consecutive missed cuts since have set him back. "Aqua-Man" as he is affectionately known, is a huge fan of Warwick Hills and has spent the past two weeks preparing for an assault here. Has shot in the 60's in 11 of his last 12 rounds on the course, resulting in being tied second in each of the last two years and tied seventh in 2006. Nerves are Austin's only enemy nowadays and at 44, the fire still burns but the odds have lengthened. Still worth an each way look.

Tailored Shorts

Plastic Paddy

Irishman Mark McNulty narrowly lost out to Loren Roberts in a playoff for the British Seniors Open title on Sunday, but is he really Irish? We know he was born and schooled in CBS Bindura, Southern Rhodesia (we think that’s near Clifden) but did McNulty prove his roots by dashing off after his round to catch John Mullane scoring the winning point for The Deise? And what his views are on the recommendations of the Board Snip Nua and does he also wonder why the Green’s Dan Boyle is always on the telly, even though he wasn’t elected? Or is McNulty so shallow as to claim to be Irish to bask in the wonderful Irish weather, to revel in our status as the world’s leading island economy, or to avail of our ridiculously generous tax breaks?

Calc Sets Record

“I once ate six whoppers at the same time”

Mark Calcavecchia set a new PGA Tour record at last weeks RBC Canadian Open and no, it had nothing to do with consuming copious quantities of burgers whilst being restrained in a bunker. Calc reeled off nine consecutive birdies to beat the previous record of eight, which was shared by six golfers including Jerry Kelly. On the Saturday of the rain affected event in Canada, Calcavecchia, starting on the tenth opened with two pars, then birdied every hole from the third to the eleventh. Nine straight birdies. Nice way to work up an appetite!

Dicky Hip

In the wake of Tom Watson’s successful return from hip surgery the news has emerged in Sweden that Jesper Parnevik might have played his last round of the season. Folowing his top-20 finish at the SAS Masters, Parnevik told reporters that he will undergo hip surgery next week in a clinic at Vail, Colo. Now 44, former Ryder Cupper Parnevik has made just $58,000 on the PGA tour this year, including 9 missed cuts or withdrawls from 14 events. He even swapped his trademark upturned peak hat for something resembling that worn by a seventies pimp!

Ah Yes, Monty Python and The Holy Grail is a comedy classic. Remember the guys pretending to ride horses by banging coconuts together.....“'What? Ridden on a horse?''Yes''You're using coconuts!''What?''You've got two empty halves of coconuts and you're banging them together!''So?'”Well we've spotted the Poultergeist paying homage to Cleese and Co as he canters down the fairway. Can't seem to spot Poults coconuts though!

Last Wednesday I made the winding trip North to Enniskillen to witness the “The Lough Erne Challenge” between Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington on the spanking new Faldo designed Lough Erne layout. It was a throwback to those “Shell’s Wonderful World Of Golf” specials where the likes of Snead and diVicenzo would battle it out for five grand. No recession around Lough Erne however as the pot of €200,000 covered a sizeable mortgage and double the predicted number of paying customers (around 7,000) turned up to cheer on their hero es.

As well as revisiting the fabulous Lough Erne, my mission was to see first hand what all the furore about Padraig Harrington’s swing was about and to consider how it would compare to Rory’s. As the match progressed you could say that, in Formula One terms, there was only thousands of a second between the two. Where McIlroy had the edge on the fairway, Harrington ruled the greens. The fact that the format was strokeplay took any needle out of the match and both Harrington and McIlroy played with the air of respect and friendship that is bound to reap dividends in many Ryder Cup’s to come.

Rory McIlroy plays an approach during the Lough Erne Challenge.

First to Rory; he was on pole with the bookies and got off the line quicker with birdie on the first to Padraig’s stuttering bogey. McIlroy continued to be on fire off the tee and with his irons playing a flawless high hard draw throughout. I may be corrected on this, but I cannot remember him chipping more than once all day, as he cruised to an effortless four under par 68 and course record into the bargain. Of course, as the resorts touring pro Ror’s did have a slight advantage in having played some of the holes before. Privately however, he will be slightly disappointed in not having converted several of the makeable putts that I reckon could have seen around in 63. The day when they all drop is nigh.

And to Padraig who is playing the role of Lewis Hamilton these days, an undisputed champion who is just waiting for the next improvement package to bring him back into contention. On the day, I thought Padraig’s swing was excellent, very Hogan like with a firm right leg on the backswing. His ball flight was low and arrow straight and though he did let one or two shots stray off line he made up for it with a display of masterful chipping and putting that only belongs to major champions. Harrington finished on two under par, two shots behind McIlroy, but having wrung every last drop from his short game.

In match terms, the difference between the players was an errant drive from Harrington on the stunning stadium hole 10th which cost a shot. Indeed he could have easily finished one or two shots better but for an approach shot on the 11th costing double bogey, which cruelly skidded off the green into a hazard, when it looked to be stitched on landing. That left Padraig five behind in the match and though to his immense credit he birdied four of the next six, the match was won by the rock solid McIlroy.

There were lots of interesting cameo’s on the Lough also including the players landing (slightly comically) on a sea plane, the Henley-ish regatta in the water beside the tenth green and actor Jimmy Nesbitt popping up now and again dressed up like a golfer! Men of the Match included Platinum One event organizer, and Amir Khan lookalike, Johnny O’Shea, who deserved some sort of award for not only staging a top class event but for having the dodgiest pair of trainers I have ever seen worn on a golf course. I have heard singers being accused of having “no soul”, but O’Shea’s runners brought that phrase to a whole new level. Then there was Lough Erne Golf Manager Andy Campbell, who, though supposedly was being helped by a throng of plus-four clad marshals, single handedly produced an exhibition in crowd control not witnessed since Charlton Heston’s Moses parted the waters in “Ten Commandments”. Divine intervention or not, Lough Erne’s “Duel On The Lough” proved a fantastic success to be remembered for years to come by all who witnessed it.

Enjoy a clinic with British Open Legend Tom Watson who describes the exact date and time he discovered the secret to the golf swing. What’s more, he let’s us into it and makes a lot of sense. A refreshing lesson from one of the greatest ball strikers in the game.

Under The Microscope: Stewart Cink

Full name Stewart Ernest Cink

Born May 21, 1973

Birthplace: Huntsville, Alabama

Height 6 ft 4 in

Weight 14.6 stone

Nationality United States

Residence Duluth, Georgia

Professional wins 13

Stewart Cink, the 2009 British Open Champion was born in Huntsville, Alabama. After attending college at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Cink turned professional in 1995. The following year he won the Mexican Open and three events on the developmental Nike Tour. The full PGA tour beckoned in 1997 where Cink claimed the Canon Greater Hartford Open in his rookie season. Although he also won the 2000 MCI Classic it wasn’t until 2004 that Cink’s star really began to rise. That year he had a fifth-place finish on the money list with wins at the MCI Heritage and at the WGC-NEC Invitational. There followed a four year barren spell before Cink again tasted victory in June 2008 at The Travelers Championship. An experienced Ryder Cupper, Cink is extremely popular amongst his fellow pro’s both sides of the Atlantic. Marks his ball with a cross as a symbol of his devotion to his faith. Following his playoff victory over Tom Watson he was greeted by wife Lisa and sons Connor and Reagan.

What’s In Stewart’s Bag

Bloggy Underfoot: Turnberry On Its Head

One hundred metres from my house are the front gates of Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo. Through those gates is hidden a wonderful little nine hole course, which, during the 70’s and 80’s, played host to some of world’s most famous figures and golfers. There sits a plaque on the tee box of the 321 yard third hole, in honour of Tom Watson. On his way to winning the 1983 Open in Birkdale, Watson stayed in Ashford and practised on the course. The first time he reached the dog leg third he asked his caddy how to play the hole. “Hit it out straight with a fairway wood, you’ll be left with 150 odd yards to the green”, was the advice. Watson then asked for a direct line from the tee to the green and was reluctantly shown. Disregarding all cautionary advice, Watson unleashed a towering hard drawing drive over the dense forest that flanks the hole. The ball landed ten feet from the hole and Watson duly obliged by rolling it in for a two. The hole was named “Watson’s Deuce” and that plaque commissioned as a lasting reminder of the feat and the man.

What a week it was. Two instalments back, we discussed the real possibility that an older pro could actually go ahead and win Turnberry and just last week we plotted out exactly why Tiger Woods could not and would not triumph. Little did we know then, that both debates were to prove prophetic. Well, sort of.

Okay Tom Watson did not win the Claret Jug, but he won the hearts and minds of a whole new generation of golfers that have never before seen the great man in action on the links. They say no-one ever remembers the runner-up, but I think they will make an exception whenever the 2009 British Open is recalled.

When Watson topped the leaderboard on Thursday evening the general consensus was “Isn’t that lovely to see the old Champ have his day in the Sun”. On Friday evening, the five-time champion had wobbled and recovered before reaching the sanctuary of the clubhouse still leading his peers. Then came the Watson warning shot across the bows of the field; when asked by the Beeb’s Hazel Irvine “Do you think you can win this thing?”, Watson contorted his furrowed features into a glowing smile before answering “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.” On Saturday evening the impossible dream was only one sleep away from becoming a reality. Young Tom had done it in the 70’s and Old Tom was on the brink of glory in the Naughties. His winning threatened to be not only the biggest story ever in golf, but the greatest ever in sport. And though Watson lost in the playoff to the deserving Stewart Cink, he did himself proud throughout the final round, to the point that he even had a putt on the final green to realise the dream. There was no final round collapse, no jitters over short putts, no being enveloped by the peleton. Short of winning, what more could you wish for.

Watson’s efforts will do an enormous amount globally for the game of golf. We’ve already heard that Seve, inspired by Watson’s performance in Turnberry, has vowed to return for the next Open in St. Andrews. Older players the world over can take heart in the reality that age need not be the barrier to success that younger people would like us to believe. Even golf in Ireland will benefit; Watson is a huge fan of golf on our shores and when pressed has always cited Ballybunion as his favourite ever course (an assertion I fully agree with) and Cink prepared for his win in the fabulous Doonbeg. Congrats Stewart and well done Tom for giving us one the greatest majors ever.

Dr. and The Medic: Guiding finger

Problem

You are having a hard time putting straight along your line or have the yips.

Cure

Try changing your grip to alter the way you are perciving the motion or feeling in your arms as you make contact with the ball.

Therapy

A good drill to help you focus on putting straight down your target line is to simply point your forefinger down the shaft. Do not think about making contact with the ball. Instead, focus on pointing your finger along your line to almost tell the ball to where you want it to go. Place the forefinger of your trailing hand so that it is pointing down the shaft as you putt. Use it to help you guide the putter through the ball as you putt. As you finish the putt think about pointing your finger towards the hole.

The Doc’s Rules Quiz

Do you really know the rules of golf? Try these questions and text your answers to 087-3140467. The winner will receive a Kartel shirt as worn by Paddy Harrington!

Question 1 – True or False: A player is entitled to free relief from a burrowing animal hole in a water hazard

Question 2 - True or False: A player applies chalk to the face of his wedge as he thinks that will generate more spin. There is no penalty.

Question 3 - True or False: No penalty is incurred if the player accidentally causes his ball to move in the process of removing loose impediments on the putting green.

Last weeks answers

Question 1 – True or False: In a Stableford competition, at the par 5 2nd hole, Tony gets a gross 5, net 4, for 3 Stableford points. By mistake he records a gross 5 for 4 Stableford points. Tony is disqualified for recording more points than he is entitled to. Answer: False

Question 2 - True or False: A player may only remove loose impediments on his line of putt by picking them up or by brushing them aside with his hand or a club. Answer False

Question 3: True or False: A player may clean his ball whenever it is lifted under a Rule that requires its replacement. Answer: False

Congrats to the winner Adrian McIntyre who wins a classy Kartel shirt compliments of Golfstyle Galway.

I Want One Of Those: Big Bertha Fusion FT-3

Lest we be accused of always featuring the newest equipment, try the Big Bertha Fusion FT-3 on for size. There have been newer models introduced since which means the FT-3 can be snapped up for a fraction of its original selling price. Why do you need one? Read the on-line reviews, the average mid handicap club golfer can get as much as 40 yards extra distance. You’ll get launch, power and forgiveness that’ll warm you all the way down to your toes at a fraction of last years price. In Henrik Stenson’s bag and could be in yours for around €110 if you look around.

Bet Your Balls-

odds thanks to

SAS Masters

Barsebäck G & CC

Malmö, Sweden

23 Jul 2009 - 26 Jul 2009

Søren Kjeldsen 12/1

The diminutive Dane battled back from a disastrous second round 76 in Turnberry, to finish in the top 30, once again proving what a gritty competitor he is. Last years Volvo Masters winner has kept his form into 2009, winning the Open de Andalucia back in March. Kjeldsens three top-tens in his last five events has seen him pass the million euro earnings mark again this season and has him poised to challenge again for end of season honours. A big fish in a small pond this week.

Peter Hanson 14/1

For every Mayo –Galway classic there has to be a Sligo-Kerry borefest and in much the same way the SAS Masters has the worst possible slot, following as it does, the British Open. Back to defend is home boy Peter Hanson who muscled it around Arlandastad in impressive fashion to edge out Nick Dougherty. The fact that this years staging is at Barseback wont bother Hanson, he also finished second there in 2004.

Marcel Siem 50/1

For German Marcel Siem, the European Tour is a constant battle for survival. After winning the World Cup with Langer in 2006, Siem lost his tour card in 2007, before impressively winning it back at tour school in San Roque. 2009 has followed much the same pattern as the other years for Marcel, amongst countless poor results, his best results were two top sixes on Spanish soil. Did well on the weekend at the last SAS masters staged on the Barseback course in 2006, to finish fourth and he’ll the eyeing this event to move away from the relegation zone in the race to Dubai.

RBC Canadian Open

Monday Jul 20 – Sunday Jul 26, 2009

Glen Abbey Golf Club · Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Luke Donald 20/1

Last week was a real watershed week for Luke Donald. It reaffirmed him as a real major contender after a wrist injury seriously threatened his career last year. Rock steady in the States this season, only missing two cuts in 14 events. This week’s Glen Abbey venue hosts the event for the second time and it is certainly not a bombers playground. The emphasis this week will be on putting with a 15 under projected winning score. Right up the buoyant Donald’s alley.

Steve Marino 33/1

If last week didn’t take too much out of Marino he should bring his promising form back to Canada this week. Granted, he faded from the top of the leaderboard to card rounds in the mid 70’s at the weekend in The Open and slip way down to 38th, but The Canadian Open will be a return to what Marino knows best, namely target golf. Finished tied for third last year behind winner Chez Reavie.

Sean O’Hair 20/1

The man who brings the phrase “Pushy Parenting” to a whole new level. Sean O’Hair did the equivalent of “divorcing” his father in 2002. Marc O'Hair sold the family business to invest $2 million in his boy's professional future and allegedly subjected Sean to the kind of physical and psychological regimen that would make most drill sergeants blush. Bogeys in junior events were punished by press up, and long runs. Sean was made sign a contract granting his father a cut of all his earnings. Since he broke free, Sean has been enjoying increased success on the PGA tour. Winner in Quail Hollow in March and tied third in last years Canadian Open.

Tailored Shorts

Golf in The Olympics

It looks like golf could be an Olympic Sport as soon as 2016. The next key date for the international golf federations bid to have golf included in the Summer Games is August 13th. That's the date when the International Olympic Committee executive board will recommend two of the seven sports, including golf, that hope to be included in the 2016 Summer Games. International Golf Federation Global Ambassadors Annika Sorenstam and 2010 European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie made a presentation to the IOC in Switzerland recently and 16 of the games top names including Tiger and Jack Nicklaus have made a video presentation, which has also been shown the board.

Manassero Watch

Last week we bigged up the chances of the 16 year Italian sensation Matteo Manassero and he didn’t disappoint. The British Amateur champion shot a one under under 69 in the final round and won the silver medal as we predicted. Paired with Tom Watson for the first two rounds Manassero managed the tricky Turnberry links to finish tied for 13th. In finishing two over, the teenager from Verona became the youngest winner of the silver medal for amateurs since it was introduced 60 years ago. Manassero made five birdies in his final round and would have finished with an even better score if he hadn't bogeyed two of the last three holes. Watch this Italian space.

Duel On The Lough

Fan’s of Shell’s Wonderful World Of Golf will get their very own Irish version tomorrow in Enniskillen. Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy go mano-a-mano for €300,000 at the opening of the fabulous new Faldo designed Lough Erne Golf Resort. The format is 18 holes strokeplay, with the winner pocketing the cash. As Ray Foley says on the radio “Ooooo, no recession on around here!” Check out the Lough Erne website for ticketing info.

Bo Selecta

While the cats away the mice will play and so it turned out at the U.S. Bank Championship when journeyman Bo Van Pelt won for the first time on the PGA Tour in 229 starts. A three foot birdie on the second hole of a sudden death playoff with John Mallinger got it done for the nervous Van Pelt. It was a weekend for tall men with Van Pelt, like Stewart Cink standing six feet four inches. Bo’s Dad, Bob Van Pelt played American Football with the Philadelphia Eagles. And no, ladies, Bo Van Pelt is not a South African porn star!

Good Diagnosis For Amy

Though world number two Phil Mickelson sat out his first Open Championship since 1993 last week, he was extremely happy in the knowledge that wife Amy’s breast cancer has not spread to her lymph nodes. He said on his web site that the news "improves our chances of beating this in the short and long term.” Mickelson's mother is also undergoing cancer treatment. After surgery, the family is awaiting pathology results.

Goes to John Daly and his “Loudmouth” gear. Daly’s girlfriend even had the same pattern on her skirt on day one; quick as a flash Mark James on the Beeb remarked “there wasn’t much fabric left over”. With his gastric band still holding firm, isn’t Daly starting to look very deflated, kind of like a party balloon that’s been lying in the corner for a week?

Coolest Ball Award

Japanese wonder-kid Ryo Ishikawa has his own cartoon image on his Srixon Z-star. They call him the “beautiful prince” in Japan but I’m sure I spotted a few zits on those Royal cheeks. The wheels came off the chariot on Friday.

Cancel That Bus Pass Award:

Fifty nine year old Tom Watson produced the kind of golfing miracle that puts every dodgy tree stump into perspective. Watson re-introduced himself to a whole golfing generation who were not around during his first reign and gave hope to elder lemons everywhere. This was the kind of O.A.P. sporting magic that only golf and occasionally Mick Kinnane (albeit on a two year old) can produce.

Best Dressed Award:

Ian Poulter on day one. Poults earns more money on his clothing line than on his golf game and saves his best outfit for The Open. Okay, he did look dapper in his Union Jack attire, but surely the Poultergeist is alienating a vast proportion of his prospective market (i.e. Ireland, Afghanistan, Australia etc) by wearing the livery of the aggressor. The Jack was only flying at half mast after missing the cut.

Best Advertising Idea Award:

With the R&A famously anally retentive when it comes to advertising at The Open, I think the guy who thought of sailing a Yacht with “Boss” emblazoned on the sails between the 9th and 10th tees should get a large pay rise. It sailed on an endless one mile circuit and got more airtime than the Autoglass Repair guy. Whats next, The Green Dragon in a puddle outside The Dome?

Best Kidnap Award:

What can you do to stop a German who has won on tour for the previous two weeks? Well if you’re Alvaro Quiros and Gonzalo Fernandez Castano, you can invite Martin Kaymer out for a friendly fourball, trap him in a net and stick him in the boot of a car. The plan was foiled however when Monty showed up and paralysed the kidnappers with his death-stare.

The Uri Geller Award:

Goes to the SpinDoctor who correctly predicted Tiger’s demise in last weeks “bloggy”. What I didn’t predict was the firing of clubs and more “God Dammit’s” than Basil Fawlty trying to sober up his chef. Cutting back on Tiger was one of the key recommendations of the Board Snip Nua. And hey, besides Gary Lineker and the thousands of people who put their 100% mortgage on him, does anyone really care? Ahhhhh, no.

Best Irish Performance Award:

Goes to Kenichi Kuboya. Okay well technically he’s not Irish but in the absence of a Paddy on the leaderboard, young Kenichi was adopted by the legions of Irish visitors as one of their own. Every time the Japanese sunk a putt the Irish throng would yell “Up Ya-boy-yaaaaa”!

After two years in Europe, Geoff Ogilvy joined the US PGA Tour in 2001. Following four years of top 100 anonymity, Ogilvy claimed his first professional tournament win in 2005 at the PGA Tour's Chrysler Classic of Tucson. In February 2006 he beat Davis Love III in the final of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Later that year Ogilvy won his first major championship at the 2006 U.S. Open, holing a 30-foot chip at the 17th, and then getting up-and-down for par at the 18th, while Monty and Mickelson imploded around him. He then finished runner-up to Henrik Stenson when defending his title at the 2007 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Ogilvy underlined his penchant for WGC events by winning the 2008 WGC-CA Championship and this years WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship defeating Paul Casey.

Married to Julie, a chef, in November 2004 in Scottsdale Arizona, the Ogilvy’s have two children, Pheobe and Jasper. Geoff is a keen cyclist, and dreamed as a kid of riding in the Tour de France. His sporting hero is Lance Armstrong, for his outstanding ability to overcome adversity and win. Geoff also reportedly picks out a nice version of "Stairway To Heaven" on a string guitar! His favourite film is The Usual Suspects and the favourite band on his ipod is Led Zeppelin.

What’s In Geoff’s Bag

Bloggy Underfoot: Who’s Afraid Of The Big Bad Tiger?

Those who know me know that I don’t want Tiger to win The Open. I know people say we are blessed to be in a generation witnessing greatness but I just don’t fancy another Tiger and Stevie love-in, throwin’ high-fives around the place and Tiger doing that incredibly annoying pointy finger thing when the ball rolls into the hole. At least I’m consistent in my views. Watching biactol boy Stephen Hendry winning his umpteenth Word Title at the Crucible drove me to dementia, as did the site of Schumacher acting like a conductor on the podium for the Italian national anthem after another Ferrari Formula One win and just last week I was actually cheering for the tennis player I hate most in the whole world, just because he was playing Roger Federer. Rotten Roddick as I call him, had his usual crazy stare going on and was positively wizzin’ out sweat through the peak of his cap yet there was I, roaring him on. Thus every time a major rolls around, I fear that Tiger will dominate, and the whole thing will peter out into a procession.

However, this time out, for the first time ever, I actually don’t think Tiger will win. After much research I can now confirm that there exists firm empirical evidence that Tiger wont be stealing the Claret Jug at least this year anyway. Why? Firstly Tiger has never ever been to Turnberry before. His record for majors on courses where he has never played a professional tournament before is four from 23, not exactly Tiger-esque. Then there’s the fact that the Ailsa course at Turnberry is far too easy. I know they wheeled back in designers Ebert and Mackenzie to toughen the place up, but by all accounts, they didn’t do very much except make the bunker faces a little more penal and stick 10-20 yards on to a couple of holes. What that does for the likes of Tiger Woods is bring the half of the field who never even get a sniff of the cut under normal circumstances, immediately back into the equation. Tiger thrives when the rough is fit for making round bales and par fours are 550 yards long. Commenting on the Turnberry’s rather tourist type links layout, Nick Faldo famously joked that 67 is the real par on The Ailsa. Many commentators are predicting a winning score of 13 to 16 under, and saying that the only defence the Ailsa course has is the wind, which brings me neatly to the second reason why Tiger will fail. All this year, Woods has been struggling with his driving. On the weeks he gets it right however, he wins. He won at Memorial, then last week at the AT&T. When he’s on his game, Tiger has rhythm and the tee shots go straight. Timing and tempo are to Tiger, what a sip of Lucozade Sport is to Ronan O’Gara. When Tiger falls out of his rhythm, even for one swing, he seems to veer drastically off line. And nowhere on Earth is it harder to maintain timing than on a windswept links in Scotland with Rory McIlroy biting at your ankles. To further prove my theory, I have actually looked back over all Tiger’s Open performances. During his two wins at St. Andrews in 2000 and 2005, Tiger was the best driver in the field and conditions were benign. In 2006 in Liverpool, with the sun beating down on him, Tiger only missed eight of 56 fairways on his cruise to victory. On all the other occasions since 1997, Tiger has had his windstopper on, struggled with his timing, failed to drive it well and came up short. So, sorry Tiger, I’m not scared of you anymore, but please please please don’t win!

Dr. and The Medic: Feel The Rhythm

Problem

You always hear about people talk about the rhythm and flow of their swing but you have never noticed it in your swing.

Cure

You might have a natural flowing swing and may not even need to worry about it. However, it would be useful to videotape your swing and watch to see if your swing is as fluid as you think it is. Watch to see if you are taking the club back too fast, pausing at the top for too long, or have a choppy swing. Finding simple rhythm errors in your swing can help you add extra yardage and accuracy to your drives.

Therapy

Tee up several balls in a row so you can hit one and immediately move on to the next one. Try swinging the club with your legs together. Feel your timing and rhythm as you hit each ball. If you are over swinging the club, you are likely to lose your balance and fall down. Anytime you want to get a better feel for your natural rhythm out on the course, just make a couple of practice swings this way.

The Doc’s Rules Quiz

Do you really know the rules of golf? Try these questions and text your answers to 087-3140467. The winner will receive a Kartel shirt as worn by Paddy Harrington!

Question 1 – True or False: In a Stableford competition, at the par 5 2nd hole, Tony gets a gross 5, net 4, for 3 Stableford points. By mistake he records a gross 5 for 4 Stableford points. Tony is disqualified for recording more points than he is entitled to.

Question 2 - True or False: A player may only remove loose impediments on his line of putt by picking them up or by brushing them aside with his hand or a club

Question 3: True or False: A player may clean his ball whenever it is lifted under a Rule that requires its replacement.

Last weeks answers

Q1 True or False: In match play, a player’s ball is accidentally deflected by an opponent’s caddie. The opponent loses the hole. Answer: False, rule 19-3

I Want One Of Those: Odyssey F7 Putter

The latest reincarnation of the two-ball putter from Odyssey features a modified, extended mallet head with weighted alignment wings, a double-bend shaft and full-shaft offset. The Odyssey White Hot XG 2-Ball F7 Putter combines the 2-Ball alignment system with a new fang design and White Hot XG technology. Inspired by proven, high-performance, multi-layer golf ball technology, White Hot XG utilizes a multi-layer insert for unrivalled on-green performance. It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “cashmere insert”. Priced €199 in Golfstyle, Galway.

Bet Your Balls-British Open

with odds thanks to Boylesports

Paddy Pick: Graeme McDowell 40/1 -

I’m a firm believer that golf goes in annual cycles. G-Mac won in Loch Lomond the week before the Open in 2008. Though he found the going difficult last week, I know he will relish the Turnberry layout. Easy links, flat, birdies aplenty; sounds like Baltray where Graeme shot a 61 on the second day before retiring due to injury. The fact that his form of late has been poor has lengthened his odds but McDowell is a major champion in waiting and he wont ever get a better chance. An excellent driver, just needs one hot week with the putter. I like his preparation too, two days in Portrush before the off.

Long Odds For Old Sods Pick: Davis Love III 100/1-

As Billy Joel says “You may be right, I may be crazy, but I just might me the lunatic you’re looking for”, because only a certified madman would back DL3 over the likes of Greg Norman or Kenny Perry. Okay Greg won in Turnberry before and has been practicing like hell, and Kenny Perry is on a roll but I know something about Davis that you don’t know. Okay, here’s the secret. Love loves Turnberry, he plays it at least once every year incognito and shot 62 socially a couple of years back. He’s been on a upward curve on the US tour, so don’t discount a long odds place!

Brit Pick: Ian Poulter 25/1 -

Since he pulled on that Munster jersey with me back in January, I have been a fan of the Poultergeist. We established recently that Poults is never going back to France, because the photographers don’t know when to take pictures, but sure what do you expect when you show up in pink trousers and a Peacock’s hair-do. Seriously though, second at Birkdale and second at Sawgrass and his form since crossing the pond is not be coiffed at, I mean scoffed at. Ignore the fashionista at your peril.

You Cannot be Serious Pick: Sergio Garcia 20/1-

It’s been a rotten old year for Sergio. Greg Norman beat him at the Open and Greg’s daughter beat him out of the bedroom. Even the one thing he has always had complete control over, namely the golf ball, just refused to go in the hole. Last year aside, Sergio has been the Open nearly man, with three top five finishes in as many years. Nobody has visited Turnberry on more occasions to practice then Sergio, surely the Open owes the hapless Spaniard just one title. Dry your eyes mate.

Nursery Pick: Matteo Manassero 500/1-

Remember when Rory McIlory burst on to the scene and we all thought he was young. Enter Italian Matteo Manassero, the 16 year old British Amateur champion. This kid has oodles of talent and his nerves ends haven’t even formed yet. Matteo proved he can mix with the big boys with a top-20 in the Italian Open, so I think he’s nailed on for that silver medal and maybe just maybe a little bit more. Ten years from now, this guy will be the lynch-pin of the European Ryder Cup team.

Tailored Shorts

Open Absentees

Some of the games top players will sadly be missing from this weeks Open. Phil Mickelson, currently on leave from the tour to care for his wife Amy in her battle with cancer, was further rocked last week by the news that his mother has also now been diagnosed with the same illness. Mickelson’s absence will bring to an end his record of 61 consecutive starts in majors, currently the longest active streak on tour. Kenny Perry however, who shunned the Open last year, has decided to travel to Scotland this week, though his mother is critically ill with blood cancer. After meeting with her doctors, Perry is confident that her condition stable enough to allow him leave for the week. Meanwhile Spanish legend Jose Maria Olazabal failed in his bid to qualify at Kilmarnock Barassie last week and joins Swede Robert Karlsson and former Augusta winner Trevor Immelman in the wings. Karlsson is suffering from a blister behind his retina and has not played since May while Immelman has not fully recovered from a wrist injury he picked up at The Memorial.

Weather Forecast

I for one will be tuning into my favourite weather girl Ursula Bracken this week, of course strictly to find out the forecast for Turnberry. With poor weather having played a huge part in both the Irish Open and the US Open, every one is praying for some respite this week. Except for Padraig Harrington that is, who is praying for a monsoon to aid his three-peat attempt. Rory McIlroy has expressed his desire for calmer conditions saying "I don't know whether I have my best chance of winning a major on a links because I have a high ball flight," in the wake of his top-10 finish at Bethpage. "Only if a links course is calm do I think I can do well. So hopefully Turnberry will be benign." Although the long term forecast is for it to be overcast with some wind and rain, Turnberry natives will tell you it can change at the drop of a hat. As the Turnberry lighthouse keepers used to say, things can change at a moment's notice. During the John Player Classic of 1973 held at Turnberry, on the second day, when the course was battered by the equinoctial gales, causing five of the seven tournament marquees to be ripped asunder and hurtle down the fairways. That day Tony Jacklin, carded a 74, which he would describe as "the best round I've ever played." In describing the conditions, Jacklin told how, when it came to the par-5 17th, now 559 yards, he needed a driver, a 1-iron and two 3-irons just to reach the green.

Pic of the week:

Paula Creamer brings new meaning to the phrase “Choking Down”!

Man’s Best Friend

Poor old Gonzalo Fernandez Castano failed in his bid to land the Scottish Open title last week because he had other more pressing things on his mind. The third-round leader revealed after his third round that in a phone conversation his wife told him their shar-pei dog named Petra had been missing for two days. "I got some bad news before my round and have to say I was thinking about something else than golf," Fernandez-Castano said in the post-round press conference "Unfortunately my dog got lost two days ago and when I called my wife before the round she was really sad." Asked if he had to choose between winning the tournament or getting his dog back, he replied, "Believe it or not I’m going to say, find the dog." It must be very rough rough on him!

Only In America

An American man who assaulted a fellow golfer with a 6-iron last summer was sentenced last week to 21 months in prison. Nicholas Shampine, 34, was found guilty of second-degree assault during a jury trial in May. Shampine attacked James Compton at the Auburn Golf Course last July 13 after Compton's fourball complained to the ranger that Shampine's party was taking too long at each hole, according to court charging paperwork. Members of Shampine's group were also upset at Compton's group for being too noisy, authorities said. A shoving match broke out and Shampine struck Compton in the left temple with the golf club, prosecutors said. Compton fell to the turf in convulsions, bleeding heavily and was taken to Harborview Medical Center. Shampine told Auburn police that he attacked Compton, 46, to protect his brother, who was golfing with him. The Prosecutor Dan Soukup said that Compton still suffers memory loss and confusion. Compton and his wife spoke at the sentencing and asked the judge to give Shampine the maximum sentence. Shampine is said to be over 20 stone in weight, and Compton, who was reportedly hitting everything fat all day, just figured…….!

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